How about some concern for out-of-work women?

DEAR AMY: You've expressed sympathy in your column to men who have been forced out of work by the current economy. Support groups for men who've lost their jobs abound, while those for women in the same situation are nonexistent. This smacks of the old double standard: Men's jobs are important, women's are not. I'm 57. On top of being dismissed by employers to whom I am now invisible, on top of being unable to continue to do work at which I am very good, I have to bear society implying that a man losing his job is a crisis; a woman losing hers is not. Dismissing the psychological impact of job loss for women adds to all the many other negative aspects of our situation.

--Name Withheld

DEAR WITHHELD: Job loss is traumatic - for anyone. But the fact is that men are being disproportionally downsized in the current climate, and it is important that men receive emotional and professional support while they struggle with employment challenges.

Speaking very generally, women seem to seek out support when they need it through personal and professional networks.

Unemployment is very isolating. It affects a person's very identity, and is no less traumatic for you than anyone. Search for professional networking groups in your area. If you don't find a group, start one.

DEAR AMY: I read the letter from "Fatty," whose mom was concerned about her weight. I am glad the girl realizes she is proportioned appropriately. My mom did the same thing to me. I was 5-foot-8 and weighed 130. I never had a good concept of myself. Your answer to her was correct. This is abuse.

--Been There

DEAR BEEN THERE: Our parents teach us how to see ourselves. Constantly scrutinizing, commenting, criticizing and physically poking a child (as "Fatty's" mother did) is abusive.